Editor: We were disappointed to read that the state has designated Scranton High School as a “low achieving” school. (“6 city schools ‘low achieving,’” April 23). As three of the almost 2,000 students who attend Scranton, we believe this label is unfair. Although perhaps immeasurable by a standardized test, the achievements within our school are impressive.

Scranton High School is extremely diverse. More than 30 countries are represented in our student body. Many have lived in the United States for less than half their lives. While some students spend class time dissecting the nuances of the works of Shakespeare, others learn the basics of a new and confusing language — English. Accomplishing either of these tasks is an achievement.

Could some students work harder? Sure. However, is the ESL student who is working tirelessly to improve his English vocabulary an underachiever? Is the student who is juggling schoolwork, a job, and household obligations an underachiever? Is the student with a diagnosed learning disability who has been mainstreamed into a classroom and stays after school to get tutored an underachiever? Clearly not.

The Keystone exam is intended to measure one’s proficiency in various subjects, including English, literature, algebra and biology. Students with dyslexia, students whose native tongue is Farsi, and students in the honors program take the same test. We all are making strides at our own level and it is misguided, based on the results of one test alone, to label Scranton High School as “low achieving.”

There are outstanding teachers in our school. There are students who excel in the classroom, in our theater, in our musical programs, and on our athletic fields. Our school has been recognized nationally for its many accomplishments.

Those who would define our school as “low achieving,” are proved wrong daily.

ALISON BARRETT

BRITTANY CREEGAN

KATIE KELLY

SCRANTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Not now

Editor: Although I was a avid fan of Joe Paterno, I am not supportive of efforts for another statue at this time.

There still remains much confusion as to what did and what did not happen in relation to sexual abuse of children for many years, and the failure of Penn State as an institution to protect children and not facilitate abuse.

As such, the presence of a statue of Paterno at this time would send a message that is at best confusing, and at worst hurtful and immoral. Perhaps the day will come when evidence exists that is exculpatory of Paterno’s role.

In the meantime though, erecting a statue will be perceived as not respectful of the people who were abused and their families, and the seriousness of that tragedy. Best to take no action at this time.

ROBERT E. GRIFFIN

FORTY FORT

Piercing wounds

Editor: Like many Catholics I continue to be discouraged and disillusioned that the Catholic Church will ever get a handle on the priests sex abuse scandal.

I echo the sentiments of letter writer Marion Eagen (“Healthier options,” May 18) that celibacy for priests should be seriously studied and that priests be allowed to marry.

The 900-year-old regulation is man-made and not rooted in canon law.

The recent arrest of the Rev. Philip Altavilla, pastor of St. Peter’s Cathedral, on charges of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl and police reporting they found pornography on his computer, again brings to the forefront the issue of whether the celibacy requirement is related to the sex abuse crisis.

Many denominations allow clergy to marry, including the Polish National Catholic Church, the Anglican Church and Orthodox churches to name a few. Seldom does one hear of them implicated in the sexual abuse of minors.

Since 2001, 3,000 Catholic priests have been defrocked or stripped of their clerical state because of the crisis.

New York Times columnist Frank Bruni wrote in 2013 that church leaders preach a purity that its own clerics cannot maintain and celibacy runs contrary to human nature and asks too much of an individual.

As Catholics we are wounded and brokenhearted. Pray for the victims and the church that is experiencing many Good Fridays.

GERALD MOON

SCRANTON

Unfavored class

Editor: Gov. Mary Fallin, Republican of Oklahoma, recently signed a law that prohibits establishing mandatory minimum wage and establishing vacation and sick-day requirements.

It amazes me that Republicans keep touting their stance as the party of small government. This is small

government? It is just another ploy to keep the poor from rising from poverty.

She also stated that most minimum wage workers are high school and college students living at home with their parents. However, according to the Economic Policy Institute, of those making minimum

wage, 70 percent are in families with incomes of less than $60,000, more than a quarter are parents, and more than one-third are married.

On that same day she also signed three other bills dealing with tax credits for banking institutions, public investments, and membership of the alarm and locksmith industry committee. It’s a good thing, too, because we all realize how these institutions need the money more than the minimum wage workers.

ADELL LAWRENCE

MAYFIELD

Flattened by fee

Editor: Is it fair that I live alone and have one bag of garbage and I have to pay the same fee as a family of six who have six bags? I wish someone would explain it to me.

CONNIE REESE

SCRANTON

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